THREE well known names from stage and screen will be treading the boards this festive season when they star in the Lyceum Theatre’s Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

The show’s producers from Imagine Theatre have revealed that popular children’s TV presenter Kerry Newell, who played Jack in last year’s ‘gigantically’ successful Jack and the Beanstalk, will be making a welcome return as Prince Valiant.

Joining Kerry will be children’s TV favourite Jane Tucker who was one third of the popular trio Rod, Jane and Freddy

For many years they starred alongside Zippy, Bungle and George in the cult children’s TV show Rainbow.

The third name announced is Sunday TV favourite David Lonsdale. He is well-known for his long-running role in ITV’s Heartbeat where he played the appealing cloth-capped stooge David Stockwell.

The panto’s producer Steve Boden, said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome back Kerry and to also welcome our new stars David and Jane. We very are excited that all three have agreed to join the cast.

“They will be put through their panto-paces later this year when rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty begin in the autumn.

“The show is going to be a fantastic one.

“We will have some great sets and some tremendous special effects.

“Last year we had a four-metre tall giant so Kerry, Jane and David quite literally have some very big shoes to fill, but I am confident that this year’s festive panto treat will be even bigger and better.”

Sleeping Beauty will run for a month from December 2 through to January 2. Tickets are now on sale with special rates available. Phone the box office on 01270 537 333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.